King's Lynn Town promoted after being crowned champions of the National League North
King's Lynn Town have finally been crowned champions of the National League North.
The news the fans have been waiting on for weeks was delivered this afternoon after member clubs in the National League voted on how best to end the 2019/20 campaign.
Ian Culverhouse's men have been promoted after it was decided an unweighted points-per-game system would be used to decide the final standings.
Today's confirmation sees the Linnets make it back-to-back promotions following their dramatic Super Play-Off victory over Warrington which reach saw them elevated to Step Two last season.
They will be joined by the winners of the play-offs, which are still scheduled to go ahead after members voted on an revised resolution sent out to clubs late on Monday evening.
York City, Boston United, Brackley Town, Altrincham and Gateshead are now set to contest the play-offs, which will require a minimum of four clubs to take place, by the end of next month.
It is unquestionably the most unusual title the club have won in their long history.
The coronavirus pandemic has sidelined all National League clubs for more than three months.
Lynn have not kicked a ball in anger since losing 1-0 at home to Guiseley on March 14.
They ended the regulation campaign second behind York City in the table with two games in hand when the season was paused. They had 10 fixtures remaining.
The closest the Linnets had come to reaching non league's top flight before today was back in 1984-85 when they were pipped to the old Southern League Premier Division title by Cheltenham.
Next season will be the first time the town’s club has ever competed in the top tier of after chairman Stephen Cleeve purchased the club following promotion to the Southern Premier Division in 2016.
Although the Linnets' faithful will no doubt raise a glass to their promotion heroes this evening, the normal euphoria that surrounds winning a title at the end of a hard-fought season will be missing.
It is hoped a fitting celebration will follow as soon as it is safe to hold one.
More reaction to follow.
